can't stop- not really anyway, because
once you start sharing important milestones, funny stories,
or passionate feelings about specific topics,
it becomes hard to stop.
it becomes hard to stop.
I don't want to stop because, through blogging, I am also journaling
and not only for my children and their children,
but my posterity for many years to come.
That has always been a driving force behind this blog of mine,
and blogging about sensitive subjects or private matters is always a risk.
but my posterity for many years to come.
That has always been a driving force behind this blog of mine,
and blogging about sensitive subjects or private matters is always a risk.
Through my blog, I share family stories and share feelings.
stories about my family's adventures.
Looking back through the years and in my
(I know, I know, sometimes painfully written)
blog posts, I have shared some of our family's most tender moments
and some of my deepest feelings. Yet through it all,
and some of my deepest feelings. Yet through it all,
I have felt uplifted and loved by you!
I get the sweetest letters, e-mails, and messages from you.
Deep support and love are felt by me and my family. Thank you!
But on the flip side to that, I also get criticism from strangers,
opinionated "advice," and nasty comments.
I realize I am giving everyone permission
to pick apart my life because of what I share and "put out there."
But this is my life, and really when it comes down to it,
I really only care about what God thinks of me.
I really only care about what God thinks of me.
Last March, Mr. Nielson and I felt impressed to sell Fox Hill
and move to the Nielson family ranch in New Mexico.
It was really beautiful watching my children pray about moving,
receiving answers, and then acting on faith.
receiving answers, and then acting on faith.
Living on the ranch has been so amazing!
Our children have learned precious lessons about work, relying on
Christian and me to lead and guide them, but most importantly
they have learned to put absolute faith and trust in God.
We all have!!
they have learned to put absolute faith and trust in God.
We all have!!
Christian and I have loved being secluded in the middle
of nowhere with our little chickens around us as we shut out unnecessary
distractions that can come between families--
especially families with teenagers.
Working next to Christian and falling into bed
after a long day of work is so gratifying.
And I have loved watching him so confident and
enjoying the fruits of his hard work and dedication
to the ranch land and to his cattle.
to the ranch land and to his cattle.
The ranch is a shared property with Christian's 10 other siblings,
so naturally, with large families seeing eye to eye can be challenging.
So, after much deliberation, we've decided that
living on the ranch isn't ideal right now.
It was a tough decision, but we hope that
we will enjoy ranch life again.
we will enjoy ranch life again.
I was heartbroken having to make this hard decision with Christian
and our Little Nies.
Through much prayer and fasting, we again
Through much prayer and fasting, we again
have found peace and courage to move forward because we know,
just as our family theme this year says:
The future is as bright as our faith.
The future is as bright as our faith.
And we have faith.
We have a lot of exciting things on the horizon,
in fact, yesterday, we put an offer on a 12 acre beautiful wooded
property in another state.
in fact, yesterday, we put an offer on a 12 acre beautiful wooded
property in another state.
Our family can succeed anywhere if
we put God first and recognize that He is in charge.
we put God first and recognize that He is in charge.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Teachings from RMN:
Drawing on the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives, April 2017
"True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up,
and be different from the people of the world.
They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous.
There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming such powerful disciples.
Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel.
It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought.
But when we do, our doubts and fears flee."
Teachings from RMN:
Drawing on the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives, April 2017
"True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up,
and be different from the people of the world.
They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous.
There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming such powerful disciples.
Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel.
It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought.
But when we do, our doubts and fears flee."
